Women in central Quảng Nam Province wearing áo dài as a way to promote the event 'Áo dài - Di sản văn hóa Việt Nam' (Áo dái-Vietnamese Cutural Heritage) being held across the country. — Photo phunuvietnam.vn

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese women are urged to wear áo dài (traditional dress) from March 2-8 as part of a national event titled “Áo dài - Di sản văn hóa Việt Nam” (Áo dài-Vietnamese Cutural Heritage) being held across the country.

The event co-launched by the Việt Nam Central Women’s Union and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the union’s establishment and 110th anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8).

Logo of the event “Áo dài - Di sản văn hóa Việt Nam” (Áo dài-Vietnamese Cutural Heritage). — Photo phunuvietnam.vn

This is an activity to honour the beauty and value of áo dài in social life, raise individual awareness, and arouse people's pride and responsibility in preserving and promoting the precious traditional costumes regarded as a national cultural heritage, according to the organisers.

Women's unions in localities, particularly those members who are officials, civil servants and businesswomen are encouraged to wear áo dài throughout the week.

They are holding many cultural activities related to áo dài, such as a photo contest on Facebook, beauty contests and fashion shows for áo dài.

Experts said that in the country’s cultural and art history, áo dài is not only a great work of art adding to the national beauty but also a symbol of the identity and spirit of Việt Nam. It conveys hidden meanings about "proper behaviour" of ancestors.

The traditional dresses are suitable for all ages. It has become the standard costume on formal occasions or national holidays, weddings, New Year festival, graduation day or in important competitions.

Áo dài has also become a symbol of beauty for women, regardless of their education and social status thus it has made a great contribution to promoting the image of Vietnamese women around the world. — VNS